Skip to main content

Thoughts on Terence Crutcher Shooting


I originally intended to share some feelings on the latest wrongful death of a black man in this country, but right before punching the keys on this post, I immediately held the backspace button and deleted my opening thoughts. 

Why? 

Because, quite frankly, it's becoming exhausting to empty my soul on such a topic - again. After all, what is there left to say in which we haven't seen, read, felt, or reacted to over the past thirty or so months. After every situation similar to this (you know the names), we follow up with the outrage, the discussions, and then something comes along that provides a convenient discourse to bury the lead. 

In a new layer in this latest spin, is the protest of that of Colin Kaepernick. To spare you the retro-feelings, you can read my thoughts on that here. But I will follow up on those thoughts by finding it very, very powerful the way his protest has spread to others, and now with another death of this kind, how it leaves those who have criticized and mocked him in an interesting and peculiar light.

It's an interesting form of "patriotism" as of late. Quite frankly, in my opinion, it's the scary kind. The kind you read about in history books from several decades ago. 

I hate tying various social issues together in order to make a point or argument, especially ones which include wrongful death as I feel it trivializes the occurrence, and disrespects the lives of the one lost. After all, somewhere, Terence Crutcher's family is grieving, mourning, and hurting, all while questioning how being black and having car trouble in America is punishable by death. 

Because you know...he looked "like a bad dude". Unbelievable. 

As the days and weeks go by, and the silent protest of a flag and anthem that touts "land of the free" becomes an even bigger elephant in the room, it becomes increasingly less difficult to not support Kaepernick and this outrage. There is a sliver of my being that finds it sad that it takes football - America's religion - to start an outrage or bring attention to the more important issues on this nation's societal consumption table. 

But for me, like Kaepernick, I've always struggled with my representation for and by this country. It's complex as I stated before. I know this. 

What happened with Terence Crutcher is unjust. Inhumane. But honestly, it's American. It's been this  way for too long, and hardest part, is admitting this IS our country, sans the illusion of specific versions of patriotism.

With all of this said, tonight, I end with a resounding quote that is burning on my mind, soul and heart regarding this latest news. The quote is from my favorite book, Black Boy, by Richard Wright:
"Our America is frightened of fact, of history, of processes, of necessity. It hugs the easy way of damning those whom it cannot understand, of excluding those who look different, and it salves its conscience with a self-draped cloak of righteousness."

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence.  2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before.  3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are.  2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched.  3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America.  3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse.  2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key.  Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass.  Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos.  Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope!  As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path.  This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts.  Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more.  Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season.  Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

  3 Up 1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask.  2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with.  3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? Ho